The Man Of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts

My mom and dad used to take my sister and I on drives out to Hollywood because I loved it so much and I was going to be a star. I'm not actually sure that's the real reason we went out there and I honestly can't remember doing much else on those days but that's what I'd like to imagine. As soon as we spotted the Hollywood sign from the freeway we would sing, "Hah-llywood, dudunananana nah nu nuh." My mom would start with us and then shortly dropped out because she was over it. I persisted with my dad... I'm sure Jess was there, just not sure what she was doing. Because I watched so many old movies with my grandparents, paternal and maternal, I had this idea of Hollywood as if I was straight off the train from Ohio in 1922. I imagined going to Musso and Frank Grill and sitting in Charlie Chaplin's booth with Mary Pickford and  Douglas Fairbanks drinking martini's while noshing on random stuff the chef brought to our table. I loved it. I was pretty devastated when I saw 'Pretty Woman' for the first time and realized "Hollywoodland" was no more.
One of these drives was April 29, 1992. On our way back into San Pedro, coming down the 110 South we saw fire trucks, fire engines, paramedics; everyone was heading north. My dad says, "Oh man, here come the real men! Was that 48s? I wonder..." As quite a few engines and trucks fly past us, away from their own areas, my mom says quietly, "Ronnie, What the hell is going on?" More flashing lights pass us, my dad whispers, "We gotta get home. I think I'm going to have to go in." I was 9, nearly 10, so obviously I knew everything. Even though they whispered I knew something wasn't right the way my mom sat up in her seat as my dad sped home. We turned on the TV and there it was; South Central, now referred to as South Los Angeles, was ablaze. As the news informed us of what we missed while we were off playing, my dad was calling his station and packing his work bag. It was bad. The only thing I saw was visible terror on TV and my dad was going to it. You see, when I was 5, in kindergarten, it became very clear to me what my dad's occupation was. All I knew then was fire was owie and don't touch. So, my dad goes inside the fire? He voluntarily walks into fire, owie? I freaked. When my dad left the house for work it was like, 5 am, he would always come in and give us a kiss before he left. One time, ONE time, he didn't and I chased his ass out to the garage, setting off the house alarm, to get my goodbye kiss. At five I was already worried that my dad was going to get hurt. Flash forward just five years from that incident to watching the news, as nothing else was on, seeing looting, fires, fights, guns, Marines, National Guard, waiting for my dad to call us at some point to tell us he was ok. My dad was an Engineer at the time so he was the guy outside of the fire manning the pumps and hoses on the engine. Any other time I would be thrilled with this earned rank, however, this week him standing outside of the fire put him in just as much danger as going in. Of course his station was the station right in the middle of it all. He told my mom and I that he was ok and that the knuckle heads throwing bricks at cops weren't doing that to the LAFD. I hated that week.
When my dad finally got to come home he looked like a Zombie. I just remember him sleeping for a while and my mom made sure we didn't bug him. After things calmed down President Bush visited LA and my dad's station, congratulating them on a stellar performance. My grandma has the picture of my dad shaking his hand hanging in her room.
At that time I was unclear of the exact reason those numb skulls started beating Reginald Denny. I kind of knew what happened with the police and Rodney King, kind of. I couldn't comprehend the point of the riots. Protesting gone bad? No fear of authority? Greed? Some people got mad because they didn't agree with a verdict, so you're going to burn your city down? I did not, could not process this. What I did know is what was happening, the riots, not the verdict, was putting my dad, my hero, in danger and that is when I felt hate; true, sad, tunnel visioned, hate. I truly hated that week. I hated that my mom was worried. I hated my dad being gone. I hated the people stealing, looting. I hated the people running with guns in plain sight. I hated the news for taking over not giving a break for something normal. The hate turned to relief when my dad came home. And once the smell of smoke cleared from the air and things started going back to normal, my worry became less and my dad reassured me it was over.
Even though nothing major happened to my dad that week, which I am very grateful for, the fact that the regular fear of "might" or "could" was heightened, was enough. As I grew up I had to change the way I looked at my dad's job to lighten the fear that loomed every time he was on duty. When he made Captain, the whole first one in last one out thing re-started my worries. That's his fault, he should know better than to tell  me that.
My dad is a hero, not just a regular hero like moms and dads are to daughters, like a super hero. 20 years ago my dad and his station helped and saved a lot of people, most of those people were the ones with the guns and stolen loot. The dummies who got shot by the owner of the store they just stole from. Containing a fire so it burns but doesn't get to the elementary school near it. Responding to injured people that were left on the door step of the station. Protecting the LAPD from being assaulted and shot at. I know there are a lot of kids that felt the same way I did that week. Their dads and moms were doing the same thing my dad was. So that is what today means to me. That's the way I remember it.

My dad is in Ireland right now getting my grandparents house together. I believe he is also golfing and hanging out with some family friends. He comes home in a week to return to his daily job of being an everyday hero. It will basically be like when Clark Kent comes out of the phone booth as Superman as my dad gets back into LA. Basically ;)

be well and be kind,
xoL

Home

There's been a lot of chaos and anxiety over here. My house is slowly becoming piles and bags, lists are being made, craigslist is a daily visit, donations are being made...
While I do love San Pedro and will always call it home, Kenny and I have decided to relocate. Cool! Where? Long Beach? Torrance? No, no... We load up a truck on May 25th and drive to our new home in Paso Robles. What the hell? I know, right? I mean, Am I sad? Yes...kind of. I'm really sad that I'll be more than a walk or 3 min drive from my mom and dad. I'm bummed my sister can't just pick me up when she wants to get out. I'm sad to leave my friends, however, I am moving to wine country so I feel like there will be no problem getting them there ;) We went for a visit this last week to meet with some employment opportunities and check out the rental situation. The outcome of those three days showed Kenny and I that it really is all happening; the universe is opening up and showing some love. This is all done for the sake of our little bears. I am very grateful for my husband and his hard work. The last few years have been up and down trying to figure out what we are going to do; careers, school, blah blah blah. And most recently, with him working two jobs and me at home with the kids...boo! But now we see that hard work does pay off.

We knew a long time ago we wouldn't stay in Pedro forever and now the talk has become the walk. We will be staying with Kenny's parents for a spell while looking for a place to live. We will put our stuff in storage up there and for the four of us, I have mapped out a way for us to live with the bare essentials. We are very grateful Kenny's parents are letting us invade their space! We leave on a Friday and Kenny starts working that following Monday. He was just hired this last Tuesday at Central Coast Gymnastics Sports Center, Inc in San Luis Obispo. It's a super legit gymnastics studio with competitive and recreational programs. He'll be coaching some littles and taking on some of their admin stuff. We stopped by there on our way out of town so he could have a chat with the director and we could take a peek inside. They are all very nice people; very welcoming and chill. One of the girls took Jude to jump around on the trampolines; it was hilarious, he loved it, of course! He and Oliver will start there some time after we get there as well. Also, as it turns out, their ballet instructor quit a week ago so I may slide in that spot as well. I've been wanting to go back to work part time, hence the studying, and it seems like it's all going to work out. Kenny's mom, Le Ann, has offered to watch the babes should our schedules conflict for any reason; so maj. Our Juju bear starts pre school in the fall; I can't even handle that mess..."that mess" I'm referring to is me. I've been in contact with some theater connections hoping for the possibility of getting back on stage. It's all very scary and very exciting. 

Paso Robles is in the northern part of San Luis Obispo County; driving from Paso to San Luis Obispo (SLO) is 30 miles. So in LA time that would be what, an hour drive? more or less, usually more. In SLO time it's about 30 minutes. Insanity! It takes me 30 minutes to get to Torrance and that's 10 miles. I'll give you a second to take that in... I know. It's all very pretty up there with great farmer's markets, nice people, good schools; it's very inviting. Now knowing that Kenny will only have to work one awesome job that will take care of us is amazing. I get to go back to work and the boys will be in great schools and a wonderful atmosphere. It's all happening...

To my heart,
Home is where ever I'm with you xo

be well

xoL

Little Bunny FuFu

Jude-3, Oliver-7mo, Liam- nearly 4

Pavlova (left) and Pink Lemonade cupcakes 

Kenny had to work until 1:15pm so I had to do the majority of the cooking and cleaning with my littles, of course, needing more attention than usual. I am the only herbivore in my entire family so my menu for Easter was geared towards the rest of my family. I made Smashed Red Potatoes with Rosemary, asparagus, Strawberry Spinach Salad w/ Sherry Shallot Vinegar, Deviled Eggs and Grilled tri tip, well, the husby was out on the grill station. I also attempted to make Pavlova which is a dessert my mom and grandmama used to make. It's a meringue "cake" with fresh whipped cream, topped with the fresh fruit of your choice. It's a tricky dessert to make; I've tried it once before and it did not come out right, this time was successful. This is the recipe I used from Joy of Baking. You'll notice it calls for sugar in the whipped cream; I left that out and opted for just a hint of vanilla. My mom brought chicken thighs that were breaded with crushed bagel chips and crispix. Prior to breading they get coated in mayo and dijon mustard, Jude loved it. Jess made Alton Brown's recipe for Mac and Cheese and Pink Lemonade cupcakes topped with Peeps and/or "egg" Whoppers. They were really cute. I seasoned the meat the night before so the only thing I really had to do was prep the salad, make the potatoes, deviled eggs and pavlova. I have ZERO counter space so I pull out the old school, built in wood cutting board and place that over the sink to give myself extra space. I used to do that in my tiny NY apts; I think I got that from Food Network or something, I'm not that creative. My cousin showed up super early so he took Jude out side to play and when Kenny finally got home, he came toting a short 3 shot soy latte. Perfect! I got my caffeine on and zipped through the final cleaning touches. I was able to shower... I know, right? Also shaved the arm pits. I know, stop pampering yourself, Lindsey! I put on some mascara and tada! all done :) Well, I did put clothes on and fixed my hair a bit but that's about it. I was EXhausted by the time 7pm came around; everyone left around then, I cleaned up, poured myself a glass of wine and then..UYGFKBSCEBCVUKEYFGKUYGCUDHGVCKZDHGVSEUBCSEKUHFBVIUHEF!!!!!!
what?? what the hell?? Some cholo muthas start gettin cray in the street and beating the shit out of each other. Of course the chicks involved are yelling and fighting bla bla bla. Way to go dummies! What has two thumbs and WILL call upon law enforcement??? THIS GIRL. "Fight in your own damn house, don't bring your drama out on my street!"...That was over heard from another neighbor. I am a lady. ;) Just another fine family holiday. The madness finally calmed down so I did some yoga and had Kenny assist with some deeper stretches. Sat on the couch drank my wine and fell asleep. I could still use a nap.

Hope every one's Easter was as fun as mine
be well
xoL

Deviled Eggs

8 hard boiled eggs
1 tsp dried dill or sweet relish
1/4 c Vegenaise
1/8 c yellow mustard
S&P to taste
8 shakes of Tabasco (you can decrease if you don't like spicy)
paprika to garnish

Let your hard boiled eggs cool completely. Halve your eggs and drop yokes into a gallon ziplock bag; smash the yolks with your hands from the outside of the bag. Add the rest of the ingredients to the yolks and combine by smushing it all together just they way you broke up the yolks. Bring the yolk mixture to one bottom corner of the bag, I use the back of a butter knife to get all of it over. Twist the rest of the bag making your own pastry bag. Using scissors cut the corner off to your desired thickness to pipe the mixture into the egg white. If you have a pastry bag with tips obviously, use that and mix the stuff in a bowl. Pour about a tbsp of paprika in your palm and sprinkle over piped eggs. Serve :)

Smashed Red Potatoes with Rosemary

2 lbs red potatoes
1 1/2 cups unsweetened soy milk
1/2 cup earth balance butter
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp S&P

Chop potatoes into 1/4 in chunks, if you have a little guy in there just toss him in. I left all the skins on. Put potatoes in a large pot and fill with cold water. Make sure the water covers the potatoes, cook the potatoes until fork tender. Drain most of the water out; just leave about half an inch of water at the bottom of the pot. This is starchy water now; instead of adding more fat this will help smooth your potatoes. Add S&P and with a potato masher start smashing adding the soy milk in small increments. Somewhere in the middle of smashing add rosemary and butter. I added butter a 1/4 cup at a time. I like it chunky but you can make it as smooth as you like.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

This was what was left. I ate it for breakfast the next morning!

Strawberry spinach salad

Large tub of organic spinach
1 1/2 cups raw walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 container organic strawberries sliced

Sherry Shallot Vinagarette
1 small shallot minced
1/3 cup sherry vinegar
1/2 EVOO
1/2 tbsp salt & pepper, each

I really love the strawberry salad at Saladish so this is kind of a tribute to that. dump all ingredients into a large salad bowl. In a mixing bowl, add minced shallot, S&P and vinegar, whisk that a bit, add EVOO and whisk well. Taste using a spinach leaf or a slice of strawberry. There is no sugar needed in this dressing because of the sweetness of the strawberries. I strained the dressing into a ball jar and then added just a small amount of the minced shallots. I had a really strong shallot so the onion flavor was very present in a short time. Store in your fridge in a tightly sealed jar of some sort for up to a week in the fridge.

Good Mornin!

Spinach and Leek Quiche

You'll need:

1 package frozen organic spinach

1 med leek

1 1/2 c fresh spinach

6 asparagus spears

6 egg whites (if you can get your eggs from a local farmer or a friend with hens please do so)

2 whole eggs

1 tbsp organic soy milk (unsweetened)

1 tbsp dried basil

2 pinches cayenne

2 tbsp nutritional yeast

1 tbsp rice Parmesan 

1 frozen pie crust

S&P

1 tbsp EVOO

Cheese to sprinkle (optional)

Make it:

1) Pre heat oven to 350. Pull out frozen pie crust, let thaw a bit. Defrost frozen spinach in the microwave until completely thawed. Use as much of the leek possible; do not use the dark tops, dice roughly. In a pan with EVOO, sautee the leeks on a low flame. When your spinach is cooled, empty the contents of your bag or package onto a clean kitchen towel and wring out all liquid. Beat 6 egg whites and 2 eggs with nutritional yeast, rice parm, sea salt, pepper, basil and soy milk. Beat well with a whisk creating fluffy eggs.

2) Assembly: Place fresh spinach on pie shell as a base layer; crumble thawed, frozen spinach on top of fresh. Scatter leeks over spinach; with your clean fingers squish together leeks and crumbled spinach. Make sure it is evenly distributed in the pie shell. Pour the beaten, seasoned eggs evenly over your veg. Cut the asparagus to about 3in or short enough to line up end to end forming 6 pie wedges. Brush the pie crust with whatever egg was left in the bowl for a browned crust.

3) Bake for 20, sprinkle cheese on top then bake for another 20. Or without cheese for 40 min or until golden brown. 

Enjoy!

left a bit non dairy and sprinkled cheddar on the rest. YUM!

It had been a while since us girls hung out all together so I had them all over for breakfast on this chilly Sunday morning. I was so excited, I woke up at 5:45 without an alarms help and jumped in the shower before any of the littles woke. Last night I scoped the fridge and pantry for breakfast ideas; I knew I had this frozen pie crust so I thought I'd make a quiche. I'd never made one before so I googled recipes but none of them really worked for what I had. To be honest, I'm not really a fan of quiche; I feel like every one I've ever come across was loaded with onion and not healthy. I figured if I was going to experiment these lovlies would tell me what's up. I was going to make it totally vegan but I opted for a dairy free, veggie version still using eggs. I sprinkled a bit of cheese on half of it so Blair and I could remain dairy free. I used A LOT of veggies so the eggs were almost just for binding and a vessel for seasoning. Stefanie worked until 7:30 this morning and thought a 10 minute nap would be good. After two hours of not answering her phone, we let her sleep in :) Melissa put together a berry delight with strawberries, blueberries, grapes and chopped mint and I baked some croissants (not from scratch). I squeezed fresh OJ and the ladies mixed it with Pellagrino. Blair and Shelagh brought coffee, Pellagrino and paper plates...What? paper plates? yea, paper plates. Something clogged my kitchen sink pipes while I was juicing this a.m. and water started to sit it the sink. Disgusting. 

Anyhow, fun times as always. My experiment was successful and I got to spend the morning with my ladies.

be well

xoL

Manic Monday

It's Monday!!! Meatless Monday! I'm making Broccoli slaw stir fried with quinoa and teriyaki "beef."

I love going to the store with my husband; now that Oliver can sit in the cart, we just take one cart and walk every aisle together. He's a fan of Sprouts but we were out in the Torrance area so we decided to go to the mother ship, Whole Foods.
When I do my shopping I split the tab between TJs and Sprouts. I spend roughly, $90 at each store, sometimes more or less. This lasts about a week and a half to two weeks. I get all of my produce at Sprouts and some other random stuff and then most of the easy ready made stuff, I get at TJs. I bought just as much stuff as I would have at Sprouts and TJs, combined, and spent the same amount. However, since the husby was with me, there was about $40 more spent on fancy beer and a $20 porterhouse steak. About once a month Kenny gets this urge for a feast fit for a king. It is always on a Sunday and it always involves a giant steak, which I never think he's going to finish and he always proves me wrong. I can't be upset if this meat eating viking only eats meat occasionally. He used to be very hamburger oriented but has become conscience of what he eats so when he does it is done with thought. Fast food isn't a question, though, he loves In-N-Out but that is an occasional thing.
We stuck to what we needed and that was that. I mean, if I had an unlimited amount of money could I spend more? Duh, of course! If you go in with a plan you can surely stay in budget; go in blind and you use your whole wallet at Whole Foods.
Do you know where I used to spend the most? VONS. Effing hate that place. I go there now if I need a gift card from that giant gift card wall thing but, otherwise? No, thanks. Albertsons? blech. I have to say, as far as major grocery chains go, Ralphs does offer more vegan/vegetarian products. But to buy organic in a major chain is ridic when you can go to TJs, Sprouts, Whole Foods or a damn Farmer's Market and get great stuff for less. Buy locally and seasonally; you will spend less and your food will taste better.


Happy Meatless Monday!
be well
xoL

Ven Conmigo

Another Everything Must Go Soup:

Organic South West Stylie

4 cloves of garlic, diced

4 tbsp EVOO

2 sm. cans or 6 whole Ortega chiles, diced

1 red and yellow bell pepper

1 dried Bay leaf

1 tbsp crushed red pepper

1 tbsp cumin

1 can corn

1 can low sodium black beans

S&P

5 tbsp nutritional yeast

2 cups pureed sweet potatoes

veg broth

1 head broccoli, rough chop

Make it:

-Preheat oven to 400. Dissect a head of broccoli, the whole thing, stock and all. Toss in a roasting pan with EVOO, S&P and about a tsp of cumin. The broccoli should be nice and coated, cumin is strong so start small and add as you wish (aaaassssss yyyyooouuuuu wwwwiiiiiiiisssssshhhhhhh). I let it go about 1/2 hr, but check it after 20, you might want to pull it then. I like the trees crispy so I let it go for a bit.

-In a soup pot, add 4 tbsp of EVOO, or enough to coat the bottom, on a med-low flame. Add chopped garlic, let that go for a sec, add diced ortegas and bell peppers. Give that a minute to love each other, add bay leaf, crushed red and cumin. Stir for a minute to give everyone a chance to get hot. Let them all hang out until the bells start to get a little soft, add corn and beans, stir. Add nutritional yeast, stir and then taste. If you need S&P then add, I just used a bit. Add sweet potatoes, stir. Add veg broth; just add enough to thin it out, make it as thin or thick as you like. Let simmer for a bit stirring occasionally.

-Serve in a toasted bread bowl topped with broccoli and a sprinkle of cheese; in a bowl with chopped chipotle Field Roast 'sausage' and broccoli. Serve over corn chips and add chicken if you like, so many possibilities :)

lunch

preparing for the sauna

I had to use the peppers, broccoli, ortega chiles and sweet potato puree. What ends up happening is, I pull everything I need to use, stare at it for a while, go to my pantry, stare at that and then something comes to mind. Just taste as you go and see if you want to add or take away something. That's what's so rad about cooking, I take it as another outlet for creativity. I also have the challenge of having a carnivorous husby that I have to fake out which poses as a challenge. It just makes it that much more rewarding when he loves it. And, NO, he doesn't just tell me that; he tells me truthfully what he liked and didn't like. This soup was a bit too spicy for Jude; next time I would back off on the crushed red. 

Have fun!

Clartiy

I was thinking (yes, it hurt) about what I reeeeeally want to do. What am I most interested in? I'm not going to just stay at home forever; that's boring. What do I miss everyday? What is the next big thing? It didn't take very long to figure it out.
I have so many friends on FB posting about how they are "off to rehearsal," "happy closing," "i love my cast," "felt good about my audition," "watch (whatever show). you'll see me behind (actress)!" I do get excited for them, I do. Do I get disgusted with myself for allowing myself to be sooo consumed with jealousy it ends up ruining the remainder of my day? Yes, a thousand times, yes. I have no real reason to be jealous, I mean, could I really be doing all of that too? Yes. So, here's the adjustment to that initial list of 10 things I want to do; get cast in a show. BAM! Challenge accepted! A lot has to go into that; I have to go back to a vocal coach, go back to dance class, get back down to a standard costume size. It will be just as hard as training for a marathon. You don't think so? Ok, you go do it. ;)
For the past year and a half, I have been engaged to this box of study materials for a personal trainer certification; we have never set a date. Well, guys, it's final! The date is September 8th, I'm taking the test. I  got sidetracked by the whole baby thing and never opened the box again until a week ago. I try to study a little in the morning and then after Oliver goes to bed at 7 and Jude is hanging out in his room, I study a little more. I don't know how some moms and dads go to school and work and do all of the kid stuff. You guys are awesome; I'm not that cool, kudos! The material isn't difficult, seeing as I know a whole lot of it already. As long as it's something you are interested in and passionate about it doesn't seem like work, right?
Lastly, I let my Esthetician license expire like a dummy so I think I may re-take the state board test to reinstate that. I let it expire knowing I was moving to NY and I thought I was never going to live in California again; I mean, it wasn't an absurd thought and it would have been invalid in NY as I took the boards in CA. Anyhow, it's an option; I miss the discounts! I liked the business and the work I just found the facials boring and taxing. I could never be a massage therapist; I was always so affected by the client's stress or anxiety so, after 5 facials I'd be spent. I am not into the massage portion of the facial; I am good at it, I will say that, it was just boooooring. I was more into the clinical part of it; cleansing exfoliate, EXTRACTIONS... guys, I'm a picker, like, if there is something that needs to be popped or extracted I cannot continue conversation until you or I handle your biz. It's the main reason I considered the career. I know, right? cray cray. I liked waxing because I could talk more and it was faster. I could book more and make more cashola. I just have to study a bit for the written portion but I think I'll be good.
In a nutshell, I'll be a busy bee. I like it that way :)

Don't settle. That never works out for anyone.
be well,
xoL